Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  Thank you very much for the question.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I would say that there are a few important things from the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority's perspective that we would recommend. The bill allows for first nations' governing bodies to be enacted, and it sets forth regulations. From a regulatory standpoint, I think first nations or first nations' governing bodies having the ability to develop these regulations is incredibly important.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I really appreciate the question. I would say that the change has been truly systemic. I would start with the decision-making on funding for capital projects. That would go directly to our board of directors instead of an application to ISC. We've been able to implement a long-term strategic plan for the infrastructure in our communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  When we signed the service delivery transfer agreement, we received certain responsibilities that used to be Canada's. All policy administrative work with water and waste water comes directly to us. We are accountable to Canada through our funding agreement. Of course, like any not-for-profit would have to, we report on our funding, but we're more accountable to our communities.

Indigenous and Northern Affairs committee  I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today. I'll be providing comments on behalf of the Atlantic First Nations Water Authority, which I'll be referring to as the AFNWA for the remainder of my time. The AFNWA is a first-of-its-kind, full-service water and waste-water utility that is owned and operated by its participating first nations.